Notes from Austin, Volume 2 #10

Includes

Blair Witch Project - Sequels, Prequels and Spoofs

"Dreamers"

The Agency "

Voices"

Kyle Henry

My cyber boyfriend

"Tracers"

Gen Arts Film Festival

"They Come at Night"

SWAMP's

"The Territory"

Movie Mid-wifing

Micro-Film's notes

Aurora Picture Show

Center for Young Cinema

Tim the wonder Horse called me on Monday morning, very early, after the Oscars, to ask if I saw Hilary Swank get her award. He said she thanked Troy Nankin in her speech. This is a guy who we shared a shuttle bus ride with while in Park City during Sundance. Nankin spent the entire time on his cell phone. One of the highlights of overhearing his conversation was that he was trying to get invited to a "Scream 3" premiere. It was funny to hear him refer to "Courtney and David" as if they were his old friends. It was obvious he represented an actress whom he only referred to as "her" in our presence. I wonder if it was Swank? Whoever he was discussing was supposed to be playing "Keanu's wife" in a future film project.

I actually performed my little memorized Laurie Anderson monologue at work for one of my colleagues. It was weird to recite it in front of someone else. Learning to take your time and not rush, being sure of your self in front of an audience, these are the hardest parts of acting, I imagine.

I usually hate these little "joke" mails that go around but I thought this one was amusing and insightful:

So, you think a gallon of gasoline is expensive, huh??

Diet Snapple 16oz for $1.29 = $10.32 per gallon

Lipton Iced Tea 16oz for $1.19 = $9.52 per gallon

Gatorade 20oz for $1.59 = $10.17 per gallon

Ocean Spray 16oz for $1.25 = $10.00 per gallon

STP Brake Fluid 12oz for $3.15 = $33.60 per gallon

Vick's Nyquil 6oz for $8.35 = $178.13 per gallon

Pepto Bismol 4oz for $3.85 = $123.20 per gallon

Whiteout 7oz for $1.39 = $25.42 per gallon

Scope 1.5oz for $0.99 = $84.48 per gallon

And this is the REAL KICKER...... Evian water 9oz for $1.49 = $21.19 per gallon

So next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on Nyquil or Scope!

Neal Fredericks, the DP on "Blair Witch" is also the DP on a new film by Ann Lu called "Dreamers." I have been hearing rumors that there are going to be 2 prequel/sequels to the film. One of them is supposed to go back to the 1700's during the Salem Witch trial days. Anyway, I asked Neal if he was going to be involved in any of this and he sent me this response,

"I will be able to make an official announcement with my involvement soon. That's all I can say at the moment."

He also told me that the film "DREAMERS" "got picked up by a distributor and a limited theatrical release will be announced soon."

Speaking of "Blair Witch," there's a new spoof film supposed to be released this summer. Rather than try and write a new spoof, several of the short spoof films made by independent filmmakers have been bought and compiled into a "collection," if you will, of spoofs. The final product is currently to be called "The Bogus Witch Project." Pauly Shore is somehow involved. I'm working on getting more dirt about this as we speak.

Jason Lee of The Agency, and sometimes writer for F13 tells me the band will be moving to California this summer. WOW! That means several of Austin's most interesting filmmakers and musicians will be leaving us including Jason, Mark David and William Tabanou. Anyone who has heard the soundtrack to "Sweet Thing" or The Agency's CD knows that this is an exciting and wise move on the guys part. With David's filmmaking skill and the band's modern urgency, it's going to wipe California off the face of the map! Look out you greasy sunbathers!

(When we were in Park City this January, Mark David gave Web a CD of the soundtrack music from "Sweet Thing," which he wrote with Tabanou. It is some of the best music I've ever heard. I've got to hit up the guys for a copy all my own before I forget.)

Jason also told me that Cami Gutierrez, founding Agency keyboard player, just inked a deal with Elektra records for her solo album!

Wednesday night, really Thursday morning, when I should have been trying to sleep, I switched on cable access and started watching this show called "Voices." I didn't know it was "Voices" right away. Usually the show is just a black screen with writing on it and a guy (whom you never see - hence the title) taking calls. But this week there was a group of college aged kids on there. The calls were running the usual gambit of idiots and perverts. A really cute young guy named Tucker suddenly came and sat with the group and the guy on the phone (a gay guy) started flirting with him. Nothing new about that.

The only other guy in the group said Tucker was the most homophobic guy he knew. But Tucker took the male attention from the caller with seeming ease. He seemed almost flattered. He didn't say one derogatory thing. Yes, he seemed surprised and flustered a bit by this, but his reaction was normal, typical of what one would expect of a guy who had never been flirted with by another guy before. I saw not one ounce of homophobia in Tucker, or for that matter, the other guy in the group, who seemed kinda like the "leader," the host. His name was Mark.

What did get depressing was the females on the panel. Their reaction to not getting any male attention was to become complete cunts and start throwing around the word "faggot" like it was to be used in everyday conversation. Not all of them did this, but one in particularly was rude, offensive, gross and yes... homophobic. It's was a vulgar display of female horror.

I honestly believe that at times women can be the most homophobic of them all. Why? Because they see gay guys as rivals. They are often so insecure. They promote hatred and bigotry toward gay guys. They institute the morality against homosexuality. Let's face it. If homosexuality were totally, 100% accepted by society, guys would be fucking each other like banshees. Women would be getting very little (about 10% perhaps). The shoe would be on the other foot. This is why women are homophobes. We make them feel incredibly insecure. And what is it that females are looking for in a relationship? Survey says: SECURITY.

I understand it. don't like it. But understand it.

Making the rounds on my CD jambox this week:

OMD - "Architecture and Morality"

The Agency - "Drowning Lessons"

Tiktok - "Tiktok"

Tracey Chapman - 1st album...

Kyle Henry's film "University, Inc." is one of the best I've ever seen. Henry, a former UT student, made his first film, AMERICAN COWBOY, a short time ago. It will be showing at the Museum of Fine Arts - Houston, TX this week I believe. check out your local news and MFA calendar if your in Houston and look for this film. I've heard from several people who have seen it that it is really good.

Casey is my cyber boyfriend. Okay, he's this guy with a webcam who allows people like me to pay 13 bucks a month to watch him. But you know, in many ways, he's kinda like a REAL boyfriend.

1) He takes up a lot of time. I spend hours watching him, waiting to see what he will do next. Our relationship exist on his time table. He shows up when he wants, leaves when he wants, does what he wants.

2) I never know when he's gonna be "in the mood." It's frustrating at times and magical at others.

3) He's always flirting with a million other guys.

4) Sometimes it's great just to be around him. We don't have to be doing anything, just hanging out together.

5) He costs money. (In the long run, however, $13 a month is a bargain).

6) Sometimes he doesn't put out and I have to go at it alone.

7) It's hard to get his attention. (In his chatroom, you are vying with 100 other guys to say something that will make him smile).

8) He doesn't know where I'm coming from. I don't know where he's coming from. But it's fun to sit back and try and figure him out. Like the best of guys in the world, he's a sociological experiment in progress.

9) He's kinda boring sexually. He isn't as adventurous as I am or as weird and kinky. He's pretty "normal" when it comes to the "bedroom." then again, every once in a while he can surprise you!

The only benefit of this cyber boyfriend is that I can leave when I want and he forgives me. Really, he doesn't even seem to notice. But at least I know he will be around tomorrow. If I can just figure out the right time to hook up with him.

I totally forgot about my friend Kelly's play this past weekend. I feel like an idiot. I got so caught up in my own shit that I just let it slip my mind. This is why I would be a pretty bad boyfriend. Thank God it's up again this week. Thurs, Fri and Sat at the Off Center of Hidalgo and East 7th. It's called "Tracers." Call 447-4979 for more info.

The following is some of the excerpts from t he mountainous e-mail I received this week.

The Gen Art Film Festival will be celebrating its 5th Anniversary in 2000.

Tickets for the individual premieres and after-parties go on sale on Saturday, April 1st via their web site at www.genart.org and by phone via Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200. Ticket Central is open 7 days a week (1-8pm). Smaller service charge via web purchases.

Full Festival Passes, which give holders access to all premieres, daytime screenings and all after-parties are already available for purchase at www.genart.org and cost only $150 for the entire week (and $125 for premiere members).

A full description of all the Feature and Short Films playing in the Film Festival can be found at www.genart.org. Below is a brief listing of the schedule of Feature Premieres and the After-party. There will be a second set of daytime screenings of all films.

Tickets to the Premieres cost between $20-30/ticket (depending on night) and include a Two-Hour Open Bar After-Party at one of New York's hottest new nightclubs (even some not yet officially open). Quite a steal. Daytime screenings (without party) cost $10.

FILM SCHEDULE: Opening Night (4/26): "Dropping Out" directed by Mark Osborne, starring Kent Osborne, with Katey Segal, John Stamos, Adam Arkin, Kent Osborne, Fred Willard. Gala Opening Night After-Party: CENTRO-FLY.

Thursday Night (4/27): "I'll be There" directed by Adrienne Shelly, starring Ally Sheedy, Reg Rogers, Alice Drummond and Alex North. Co-presenting partner of Evening: Chickclick.com. After-Party: CHAOS.

Friday Night (4/28): "What Happened to Tully" directed by Hilary Birmingham, starring Anson Mount. Co-presenting partner of Evening: Alberta Ferretti. After-Party: JOY.

Saturday Night (4/29): "Goat on Fire and Smiling Fish" directed by Kevin Jordan, starring the Steven & Derick Martini and Christa Miller. Co-presenting partner of Evening: Winter Films. After-Party at FUN.

Sunday Night (4/30): "The Operator" directed by Jon Dichter, starring Michael Laurence, Jacqueline Kim, Brion James, Christa Miller and Stephen Tobolowsky. Co-presenting partner of Evening: Bass Ale. After-Party: HUSH.

Monday Night (5/1): "Playing Mona Lisa" directed by Matthew Huffman, starring Alicia Witt, Elliot Gould, Johnny Galecki, Harvey Fierstein, Sandra Bernhard & Marlo Thomas. Co-presenting partner of Evening: L'Oreal. After-Party: TRUE

Closing Night (5/2): "Urbania" directed Jon Shear, starring Alan Cumming, Dan Futterman, Matt Keeslar, Josh Hamilton and Barbara Sukowa. Co-presenting partner of Evening: Emporio Armani. After-Party: EMPORIO ARMANI.

For more information on the film festival visit, www.genart.org. For press credentials, please contact Open City Communications at 212-714-3575.

April 30 Sun. 7:00pm

"THEY COME AT NIGHT" - BENEFIT FILM SCREENING

Award wining film by UT Prof. Lindy Laub examines the profound effects of the war in El Salvador on its survivors. This event will benefit the work of the Human Rights Documentation Exchange and the border solidarity group Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera. Tickets $15 (students $5). Texas Union Theater, 24th and Guadalupe Sponsored by the Austin Peace and Justice Coalition and the Institute for Latin American Studies at UT.

Mutiny Productions is seeking a Director of Photography for its upcoming dv feature, "First Dates Can Be Dangerous", an action/comedy/adventure directed by Shawn Higgins. Payment is deferred and shooting begins May 27th in and around the Austin area. The shoot consists of three day weekends for 6 weeks. If interested, please email essarr@flash.net or call 343-6389.

The Austin Children's Museum Teen Program is looking for talented individuals interested in teaching a Summer Video Production class. These individuals would have expertise in acting and video production, and have skills working with youth. The video production class will be June 12-16, 2000 from 1-5 p.m. in the Austin Children's Museum Theater. We are looking for creative actors and filmmakers who like to have fun.

Contact Tasha Ponczek, Teen Program Coordinator, 472-2499 X274, at "ponczekt@austinkids.org" for more information about these positions.

The Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP) is now accepting submissions for the 25th Anniversary season of THE TERRITORY, the longest running PBS showcase of independent short film and video in the country. We are accepting VHS/NTSC preview tapes of works in any genre (narrative, experimental, animation, documentary, music videos, etc.) UNDER 30 MINUTES that are available for NON-EXCLUSIVE statewide (Texas) broadcast between Oct. 2000 and Sept. 2001. If accepted, you will need to provide a BetaSP master for broadcast. A licensing fee is paid based on length of work. Send tapes, plus brief synopsis and filmmaker bio (if available) to: SWAMP, 1519 W. Main, Houston, TX 77006, Attn: Territory. For more information see www.swamp.org or call 713-522-8592. Deadline for submissions is April 14th.

Dreamline Productions, an award winning Hamilton, Ohio based production company is currently seeking short horror/scifi scripts in the tradition of Tales From the Crypt, Twilight Zone, Creep Show and Tales of the Darkside, for their horror anthology called FRIGHTMARES. Twisty turns, suspence, gore all key elements in scripts that they are looking to produce. Scripts should be no longer than 45 pages in length. Questions: email Dreamlineprods@hotmail.com. Send scripts to: Dreamline Productions, 4130 Hamilton-Middletown Road, Indian Springs, Ohio 45011. (513) 737-0077

Alchemy Works

P.O. Box 3440

Austin, Texas 78764-3440

Office: (512) 443-8229

Fax: (512) 443-8229

Contact: Lorie Marsh, Executive Producer

Alchemy Works seeks submissions of feature-length screenplays for its upcoming series, Movie-Midwifing: A Series of New Screenplay Readings. Selected screenplays will be cast with professional actors and performed for the public the first Tuesday evening of the month, August - December, 2000. Entry Fee: $15. Alchemy Works is also seeking short film (15 minutes or less) submissions for the series. No entry fee. Submissions accepted until July 15, 2000. Send a SASE for entry forms and submission guidelines to Alchemy Works, P.O. Box 3440, Austin, Texas 78764-3440 or email moviemidwifing@yahoo.com.

Aurora Picture Show

800 Aurora Street

Houston, TX 77009

(713) 868-2101

grover@aurorapictureshow.org

http://www.aurorapictureshow.org

SHORT WORKS IN FILM, VIDEO & NEW MEDIA WANTED

FOR AURORA PICTURE SHOW'S 2ND ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM

REMELY SHORTS III: WORKS 3 MINUTES & UNDER

JURIED BY REBECCA CAMPBELL, AUSTIN FILM SOCIETY

Deadline May 1, 2000

Do you have a 30 second masterpiece? Aurora Picture Show is seeking film, video and new media works 3 minutes and under for our 2nd anniversary show, "Extremely Shorts III", scheduled for June 24 & 25, 2000. This weekend long celebration is our most heavily attended annual program and will feature 3 screenings, live music by Jody Hughes and SLUMP, and a FREE congregational picnic in the backyard catered by Brasil and Saint Arnold Brewing Company. This year's guest juror is Rebecca Campbell, the Executive Director of Austin Film Society.

If you'd like to be considered for this super-energetic, short attention span-geared program, send us a VHS copy of your 3 minute or shorter work, a brief description and a short bio by MAY 1, 2000. Tapes will not be returned unless you include a self-addressed padded envelope with appropriate postage.

Send submissions to:

Aurora Picture Show

Extremely Shorts III

800 Aurora St.

Houston, TX 77009

Aurora Picture Show is a microcinema housed in a 1924 church building in Houston, Texas. Since June of 1998, we have introduced audiences to over 300 non-commercial, film, video and new media works. Our programs are grouped by subject and curated by invitation or jury. Visiting artists and curators at Aurora have/will include Mark Allen, Craig Baldwin, Bill Brown, Bill Daniel, Constance DeJong, Ariella Ben-Dov, Skip Elsheimer, Adam Goldman, Kief Henley, Bjørn Melhus, Andy Mann, Tony Oursler, Ellen Spiro, Jenny Stark, Maria Troy, Stephen Vitiello, Bart Weiss, and Christopher Wilcha. Suggested donation is always $5 or pay what you can. Join the congregation!

For more information call

Andrea Grover

(713) 868-2101

or visit Aurora on-line at

http://www.aurorapictureshow.org

"The Premiere Resort Festival of the West Coast" The 3rd Annual Lake Arrowhead International Film Festival Please take the time to visit our web site @ http://www.arrowheadfilmfest.com

In it's third year the International Independent Film Institute will host the Lake Arrowhead International Film Festival 2000 Deadline extended to April 7th 90 minutes from Los Angeles in the San Bernardino Mountains, Lake Arrowhead (The Jewel of California) in it's third year . Lake Arrowhead is proud to have been titled... "Hollywood's Original Playground"

Submission forms can be printed from our web site. If you would like any other information on our festival below is our contact information. web site: http://www.arrowheadfilmfest.com

e-mail: filmfestival@pe.net

Phone: USA: 909 307-1074

Fax: USA: 909 307-8382

Please click here for submission form

http://www.arrowheadfilmfest.com/subformprint.htm

http://www.arrowheadfilmfest.com/subformprint.htm

The Center for Young Cinema (CYC) is pleased to announce its second semester-end screening of new student works at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (405 Colorado Street) Sunday, April 9 at 11 a.m. Admission is $3. In addition to student pieces, the screening will also include a short film selection from the winners of last year's National Children's Film Festival.

The program will showcase eight student films from the Center for Young Cinema. The projects range from narrative films to experimental pieces shot on Hi8 video, mini DV or Super 8 film.

A short reception will directly follow the screening where filmmakers will be in attendance. Prospective students will have the opportunity to sign up for an intensive 10-day Summer workshop, as well as the regular 8-week Fall semester course.

For further information, please contact Barna Kantor at cyc@501studios.com or 512- 469-0114.

A new video company in Austin, "www.sunsetcreative.com" is seeking 8mm, Super8mm and 16mm shooters for several projects.

They are re-editng a documentary on desegregation and would like some Super8 and/or 16mm footage shot. You will be paid for film costs.

They also need video and film shooters from time to time for PAID corporate projects.

Please check out http://www.sunsetcreative.com and email matt_kordelski@mail.sunsetdirect.com.

From Jason Pankoke, publisher of "Micro-Film," a indie zine out of the midwest that promotes local filmmaking...

For those within earshot of Philadelphia, or that have film fanatic friends living in that area, there's a quarterly underground-punk-DIY fest called the Lost Film Festival taking over the town; next edition is Sunday, April 9, starting at High Noon at the 4040 Space. The curious can surf to www.lostfilmfest.com for more info ...

For the upstanding cinema citizens of Chambana, we have a pair of travelling filmmakers in our midst! Had lunch yesterday with Adrian Fuller (a born-and-bred Chicagoan who graduated from Columbia) and Will Carpenter (an actor who braved the Windy City - and lots o' Shakespeare - before heading to CA). They're doing a really cool, grassroots-style 10-city trek through the midwest to promote and screen their college-set comedy LOVE 101. It will be playing at the Savoy thru next Thursday, April 6.

The film was shot on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb during the fall of 1997, and premiered last summer at the Chicago Alt.film festival as the opening night selection. Most of the actors are up-and-coming veterans of the Chicago theater circuit, with the addition of dry wit Jeff Anderson, who played the hilarious video store clerk in, uh, Kevin Smith's CLERKS.

Adrian (writer/co-producer/director) and Will (actor) and their humungous RV (dubbed "The Shaggin' Wagon") will be hanging out at the Savoy during Friday and Saturday nights' showtimes ... stop in, say howdy, catch the film, and encourage the Savoy to keep it up by programming indie films!

And that's about it this week kiddies... See ya around town! lodger2000